Which hypothesis for the abiotic formation of organic molecules suggests that early Earth's atmosphere was a neutral atmosphere?
A) The energy for this synthesis could have come from lightning and UV radiation.
B) Some evidence suggests that the early atmosphere was made up primarily of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
C) Amino acids were found near volcanic eruption sites.
D) Organic compounds were first produced in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

Question

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The neutral atmosphere hypothesis suggests that the early atmosphere was made up primarily of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. This is different from the reducing atmosphere hypothesis which suggests that early Earth's atmosphere was reducing and contained methane, ammonia, and water vapor.

Answer: A
 The lightning and UV radiation hypothesis suggests that the energy for the abiotic formation of organic molecules could have come from lightning and UV radiation in the early Earth's atmosphere.

Answer: C
 The volcanic hypothesis suggests that organic molecules were synthesized near volcanic eruption sites, where the high temperatures and pressure provided ideal conditions for their formation. Amino acids have been found near these sites.

Answer: D
 The hydrothermal vent hypothesis suggests that the deep-sea hydrothermal vents provided the ideal conditions for the formation of organic molecules, including amino acids. The hot, mineral-rich water provided energy and a source of inorganic compounds for the synthesis of organic molecules.

Which Hypothesis for the Abiotic Formation of Organic Molecules Suggests